On Pokémon Day 2025, the highly anticipated short anime titled 'Kairyu to Yūbinyasan' was unveiled, showcasing the adventures of Hana, who dreams of becoming a top postal worker just like the powerful Pokémon Kairyu. This release doesn't just celebrate the franchise but also marks 29 years since the debut of the original Pokémon games.
With the backdrop of this memorable day, which falls on February 27th, the day the first Pokémon games were released, the anime features stunning visuals crafted by the renowned animation studio Comix Wave Films, famous for projects like 'Your Name.' and 'Weathering With You.' The main character, Hana, is voiced by Riko Fukumoto, and the production includes music from Evan Call and the theme song by suis from Yorushika.
The story kicks off with nostalgic flashbacks of Hana's childhood, presented in 4:3 ratio, immersing viewers instantly. The animation features breathtaking aerial scenes showcasing Kairyu, and includes the appearance of the legendary Pokémon Kyogre, creating an atmosphere of excitement and awe.
Fans were thrilled as they settled down to watch the short film on the Pokémon YouTube channel. Among them was actor Shinya Ohwada, who was taken by surprise when he noticed a character resembling him within the first minute of the anime alongside his Pokémon partner Quaxx. This sparked significant chatter among fans on social media, with many exclaiming just how much the character mirrored Ohwada.
This whimsical story follows Hana as she embarks on her quest to find the sender of undelivered letters, raising the question of who might hold the next big adventure within the Pokémon universe. Participants from all surroundings join the search with various Pokémon characters, enhancing the theme of friendship and connection, fundamental aspects of the Pokémon series.
The collaborative efforts of the animation keeping the wondrous imagination alive resonate particularly with both long-time fans and newcomers alike. The main scenes enrich this adventure with both emotional depth and whimsical lightness, showcasing the essence of the bond between humans and Pokémon.
Recent images reveal behind-the-scenes glimpses of the music production, which took place in Berlin, with Evan Call participating remotely. Fans are eager as the soundtrack, comprised of original compositions and the theme song, are set to be released alongside the short film.
Anticipation heightened not just for the short film but also for the additional announcements made during the Pokémon Presents event, which also aired the same night, featuring new information on upcoming Pokémon projects and games. Details emerged about the new upcoming game, 'Pokemon Legends Z-A,' which is confirmed for release later this year.
Through the lens of adventure, nostalgia, and community, 'Kairyu to Yūbinyasan' sets the stage for the next chapter of the Pokémon saga to be embraced by fans worldwide. With its universal themes, it reflects the heartwarming tales and inspiring journeys embedded within the Pokémon franchise's storied history.
Overall, this year’s Pokémon Day serves not only as recognition of the franchise's remarkable influence over the years but also unveils new paths for future storytelling and character explorations within this vibrant universe.